Unit 4: Forms of State

Unit 4: The Forms of State: Territorial Distribution of Power

• This unit examines how state power is distributed territorially.
• The vertical distribution of state power refers to its territorial structure.
• The historical development of the nation-state model began in the Middle Ages.
• The 19th century saw continued centralized power in the nation-state, aiming for national unity and a common market with equal rights.
• This model often imposed a central government system on formerly autonomous territories.
• Some territories (e.g., regions in Italy or Germany) resisted this centralization in pursuit of self-governance.
• Not all 19th-century state developments followed this model. Some newly independent states or large colonies that were wary of powerful central governments, or those with a diverse population, adopted different models such as federalism.
• A federalist approach is a more flexible formula, enabling unity in the face of internal threats and secessionism.
• The USA, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, and India are examples of this approach.
•  Later, with interventionism (New Deal) , a centralising evolution is observed in federations as the central government assumes greater control.

2. Territorial Models of the State

• Small states usually have centralized power over the entire territory.
• Larger states are more complex, often with sub-state areas (cities, regions, etc.) having their own political institutions with limited power.
• These sub-state institutions are linked to and coexist with the state's power.
• Two primary state models are:
• Unitary: Original power is concentrated in a central authority that governs the entire territory, and may delegate some power to lower levels of government. Examples: much of Europe, including France.
• Federated (Compound): Power is shared between the central and sub-state authorities. Specific responsibilities are outlined, often with distinct levels of government having distinct powers. Examples include the USA, Germany, and Switzerland.
• Confederations are not states, but collections of independent states coming together to deal with joint matters. Decisions require unanimous agreement from all members. Notable Examples include the USA, 1777-1787, and Switzerland, 1291-1847. A contemporary example is argued to be the European Union.

3. Federalism and its Modalities

• Federalism is a key form of structuring a federated state.
• Modalities include:
  • Dual Federalism: American-style, based on separate spheres of power.
  • Cooperative Federalism: European-style; legislative centralisation but with political decentralisation and an interplay of various levels of government.
  • Asymmetric Federalism: (as in Canada), where sub-state regions have varying levels of autonomy. Federalist forms are further identified by their special characteristics.

4. Centralized and Decentralized Political Power

• Benefits of Centralized Power:

  • Unity, imposing national interests on local interests;
  • Homogeneity of laws, policies and standards;
  • Solidarity (redistributing resources);
  • Economies of scale (with efficiency in resource management).

• Benefits of Decentralized Power:

  • Civic legitimacy; better adapted to local needs;
  • Increased effectiveness of decision making;
  • Increased participation.

5. The Multiple Levels of the State in the 21st Century

• Contemporary global issues challenge the traditional state model, leading to multiple layers of power.
• This includes local, regional, national, and international/supranational levels.
• The principle of subsidiarity is key; the highest level intervenes only when the lower levels cannot handle issues successfully..
• The European Union, for instance, is a supranational entity, with some sovereignty ceded to the EU but maintained by the member states, creating a more complex model.

Explore the territorial distribution of power in various forms of state in this unit. Dive into the historical evolution of the nation-state model and examine the centralization and federalism approaches that shaped governance in the 19th century. Understand the implications for regions seeking autonomy and self-governance.